Sessions are facilitated vs. taught; our trainings are interactive and are enriched by the participants' sharing.

Our trainings are designed to help people become more aware of their personal biases; especially the
unconscious ones. We help individuals better understand the characteristics in others of which they are
most judgmental.

Trainings are 60 minutes to 8 hours in length depending on the depth of the content.

Our trainings are customized for any size audience although we've found that smaller groups
(less than 50) allow for the most meaningful and productive interaction and discussion.

We ensure a safe and non-threatening environment for sharing diversity related experiences and concerns.

Why?

Prejudice is learned; everyone prejudges. It begins with "little acts of bias" such as jokes, rumors, stereotyping,
insensitive remarks, non-inclusive language, screening out positive information about groups of people to
accept the negative, and justifying bias by seeking out like minded people. If not kept in check, these biases turn
into prejudice and bigotry. Name calling, ridiculing, scapegoating, labeling, social avoidance and de-humanization
can occur. This can lead to discrimination, harassment and social exclusion. Sadly, these can escalate to violence.

Outcomes

People who:

are aware of their personal biases and the assumptions of others;

know how to inquire about differences without offending;

listen with open minds;

suspend their own beliefs as needed to ensure fair and consistent interactions with others; and

seek different perspectives and actively learn from differences in people.

The JCC's Bias Awareness Trainings break down walls of misunderstanding and ignorance and reduce
put-downs, name calling, bullying, rudeness, ridicule, stereotyping, discrimination and violence. The trainings
focus on respecting differences vs. accepting differences because everyone is entitled to his or her beliefs.
A person doesn't have to like someone or believe what that person believes in; but as human beings, we need
to respect the differences and agree to disagree.
Hear what some participants have to say about Bias Awareness Trainings:

"I never thought of myself as being a stereotyping person. I thought wrong. I will be working on this."

"I came into the session today thinking I didn't have any biases. I learned differently. Thanks for helping me
think of diversity beyond race and religion."

"The presenter ensured everyone was treated with respect as we discussed diversity. The video clips, response
sheets and activities used were very powerful and really made me step out of my comfort zone to look within.
I learned so much about myself during the session."